German Proxy Soup

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, comforting vegetable soup with potatoes, carrots, and cabbage, simmered in savory broth and brightened with fresh dill. This german-inspired soups ready in about 40 minutes pairs olive oil, diced onion, peeled and diced carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 German cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks, and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 diced potatoes, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 cup chopped cabbage, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp dried dill, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/2 cup frozen peas and cook for 3 more minutes until peas are heated through.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill. Serve hot with extra dill for garnish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does German Proxy Soup take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover German Proxy Soup?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in German Proxy Soup?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale German Proxy Soup for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with German Proxy Soup?

German soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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